African Daisy Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' (PBR) (Sunny Series)
ABOUT
Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' (PBR) from the Sunny Series, commonly known as the African Daisy, showcases a cheerful and vibrant display. This particular cultivar is admired for its daisy-like flower heads that bloom profusely. The blossoms have a unique color palette, typically exhibiting bright, warm hues. Petals radiate around a central disc, with colors ranging from deep purples and pinks to lighter tones, often with gradients or a bicolor effect that adds depth and contrast to the overall appearance. The petals are smooth and elongated, layering slightly over one another to form a neat circular shape characteristic of daisy flowers. The central disc is usually a contrasting hue, such as darker blue or purple, and contains the reproductive parts of the plant. This disc sometimes appears almost metallic or iridescent, catching the light and drawing the eye. The plant's foliage complements the flowers with its dense, green leaves. These leaves are typically lush and may have a slightly glossy appearance, with edges ranging from smooth to lightly toothed. The overall effect of the African Daisy 'Sunny Fiona' is a bright and sunny display, which is well-suited to borders, containers, and as an accent plant in ornamental gardens. It often attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to its charm and ecological benefits within a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
African Daisy, South African Daisy, Cape Daisy
Common names
Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' (PBR) (Sunny Series).
ToxicityTo humans
The African daisy is not known to be toxic to humans. However, it is generally recommended to avoid ingesting plants that are not known to be edible, as they may cause digestive discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The African daisy is not known to be toxic to pets either. As with humans, pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants as they can potentially cause stomach upset or an allergic reaction. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant and shows signs of illness, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Southern Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is relatively drought-tolerant, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a lengthy blooming season, offering color and interest in the garden for an extended period.
- Versatility: It can be used in mixed borders, containers, and as a groundcover, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Colorful Display: The plant provides bright, cheerful flowers that can lighten up any garden space.
- Frost Tolerant: It can withstand light frosts, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cape Daisy crafts: The brightly colored petals of Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' can be used in arts and crafts to create natural decorations or incorporated into paper-making for an interesting texture and design.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant growth, pollination, and the importance of biodiversity in gardens.
- Photography subject: Its unique colors and forms make it an excellent subject for photographers specializing in botanical and macro photography.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, Cape Daisy blooms can be used in bouquets or decorative arrangements to add color and variety.
- Garden design: Used as a tool for garden design classes or workshops, Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' can help illustrate concepts like color balance and plant placement.
- Event decor: Live plants or individual blooms can become part of eco-friendly event decorations, like table centerpieces at a wedding or other celebrations.
- Companion planting: They can be planted among vegetables to attract beneficial insects that aid in the pollination of crops.
- Themed gardens: The 'Sunny Fiona' can be included in themed gardens, such as a ‘fire and ice’ theme with its warm tones contrasted by cooler colored plants.
- Children's fairy gardens: Its compact size and colorful appearance make it suitable for whimsical miniature fairy gardens intended for children's outdoor play areas.
- Seed saving: Enthusiasts of heirloom and non-GMO plants can use the seeds from the Cape Daisy to trade with other gardeners or save for the next planting season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe African Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe African Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charming Beauty: The Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona', commonly known as African Daisy, often symbolizes captivating beauty due to its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and bright color palette.
- Cheerfulness: African Daisies embody cheerfulness, as their appearance is associated with the sun and the joy it brings.
- Resilience: This plant is known for its toughness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions; therefore, it can represent endurance and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Positivity: With its sun-facing blooms, the African Daisy is seen as a symbol of positivity and the ability to look on the bright side of life.
- Innocence: Like many other daisies, the African Daisy is also associated with purity and innocence due to the simplicity of its flowers.
- New Beginnings: Their association with dawn and the start of a new day makes African Daisies a representation of new beginnings and fresh starts.
WaterAfrican daisy plants, such as the Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona', should be watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions but generally, watering once a week with approximately one gallon of water per plant should suffice. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture first. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Ensure that the water reaches deep into the root zone to encourage strong root growth.
LightAfrican daisy plants prefer full sunlight to thrive, so place your Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' in a location where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. While the plant can tolerate partial shade, flowering will be reduced in less than ideal light conditions. A south-facing spot is often the best location to ensure ample sunlight.
TemperatureAfrican daisies like the Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' prefer warmer temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand brief periods of cooler temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but will suffer if exposed to frost or consistently cold conditions. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is within that 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit range.
PruningPruning African daisies like the Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' is necessary to maintain a tidy appearance and to encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering. A more extensive pruning can be done in the early spring or late autumn to remove old and woody stems, shaping the plant and keeping it compact. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican Daisy 'Sunny Fiona' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with added perlite or sand for aeration. A balanced pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is ideal to ensure nutrient availability and plant health.
RepottingAfrican Daisy 'Sunny Fiona' typically requires repotting every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container to allow for continued growth and prevent root crowding.
Humidity & MistingAfrican Daisy 'Sunny Fiona' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and thrives best in average room humidity, avoiding excessively dry or humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place African Daisy 'Sunny Fiona' in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Grow in full sun with some afternoon shade.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleOsteospermum 'Sunny Fiona', commonly known as the African Daisy, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in a well-draining growing medium and germinate, typically within two to three weeks under optimal conditions. After germination, seedlings emerge and enter the vegetative growth stage, developing roots, stems, and leaves. As the plant matures, it enters a transitional phase where the first flower buds form, signaling the beginning of the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, the African Daisy produces colorful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators, initiating the reproductive phase. Following pollination, seeds develop and reach maturity within the flower head, which eventually dries out and disperses the seeds, completing the cycle. The plant may also be propagated from cuttings or division, generating new individuals that go through the same growth stages.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Osteospermum 'Sunny Fiona' (PBR), commonly known as African Daisy, is typically propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a section about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which you can transplant the new African Daisy to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
